What happened
On the morning of 20 May 2024, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter, registration ZS-HGS, attempted to take off from a transport trailer located at Alldays Game Pens in the Limpopo Province. The flight was intended to be a short 6-nautical-mile trip to a nearby game farm for wildlife assessment.
Prior to departure, the pilot had removed the main rotor blade support frames and loosened the skid gear, which had been secured to the trailer with brackets. During the takeoff roll, the pilot experienced a sudden leftward pull and yaw. As the aircraft attempted to lift, the main rotor blades struck the ground, causing the helicopter to tip onto its left side. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, the tail boom, and the main rotor blades, with the tail boom being severed by the rotor strike. The pilot escaped the wreckage without 0 injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID investigators examined the aircraft, the custom-built trailer, and the circumstances surrounding the takeoff. The investigation noted that the aircraft's doors had been removed for the flight and that the pilot had topped up the fuel tanks to three-quarters capacity.
Investigators also looked into the equipment used to secure the aircraft. The brackets and supporting gear used to tie the helicopter to the trailer were not stored in a container but were left on the front section of the trailer platform. Additionally, the investigation found that the accident was reported to the authorities 21 days after the event, which violated the requirement to report accidents within 24 hours.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was that the helicopter exceeded its critical roll angle during takeoff, leading to a dynamic rollover.
- The trailer used for transport was a custom-built unit that lacked a secure container for tie-down equipment, and its side wall frame presented a potential pivot point.
- The pilot had a previous history of a similar accident involving a helicopter takeoff from a trailer in 2021.
Safety action
- It is recommended that all potential hazards, including tie-down brackets and related equipment, be properly secured in a container away from the trailer to mitigate risks during takeoff from such platforms.